Crossword Genius

Needling action in a contest over moment when judge is sacked (11)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

acupuncture

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'needling action' is the definition.
(practice using needles)

'a contest over moment when judge is sacked' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'a' is found in the answer.
'contest' could be 'cup' (a sporting contest eg the FA Cup) and 'cup' is located in the answer.
'over' could be 're' and 're' is present in the answer.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'in' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for acupuncture that I've seen before include "Complementary medicine using needles" , "Form of alternative medicine" , "Alternative treatment using needles" , "Pain relief by needles" , "medical treatment" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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